Visa and Entry
There are three main ways to enter Japan: visa-exempt entry, short-term stay visas, and the Japan eVisa. Each method has different conditions and required documents, so you must choose the procedure that fits your situation and prepare the necessary documents in advance.
Visa-Exempt Entry
Japan allows visa-exempt entry for citizens of 69 countries for up to 90 days. This includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore. Visa-exempt entry is limited to purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting friends or family.
However, the visa exemption program itself does not guarantee entry. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare documents that clearly prove your purpose of entry in advance.
Important considerations for visa-exempt entry:
- Paid work is prohibited in Japan.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date.
- You may be asked for proof of your return ticket or onward travel itinerary.
- Carrying a simple travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmation can help facilitate smooth immigration screening.
Applying for a Short-Term Stay Visa
Travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption must apply for a short-term stay visa. This visa is used for tourism, business, or visiting acquaintances and allows you to stay in Japan for up to 90 days. Applications are processed at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Additional documents or supplements may be requested during the screening process. Therefore, it's advisable to apply well in advance, allowing sufficient preparation time. Visa issuance typically takes about 5-10 business days.
Required documents for visa application:
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Flight reservation details
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank balance certificate
- Depending on the case, additional documents such as an invitation letter from a host in Japan may be required
Visa application fees:
- Single-entry visa: Approximately ¥3,000 (approx. USD $20)
- Multiple-entry visa: Approximately ¥6,000 (approx. USD $40)
Visa processing time:
- Approximately 5-10 business days
This information is based on general guidelines. Actual required documents, visa fees, and processing times may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, visa type, and region of application. Always check the official website of the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Applying for a Japan eVisa
Foreign nationals residing in certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, can apply for a Japan eVisa without visiting an embassy. You can apply directly through the official website. The eVisa application fee is ¥3,000, and document screening takes approximately 5 days.
eVisa applications are limited to tourism purposes only. If you are visiting Japan for other purposes, you must apply for a visa at the Japanese diplomatic mission or consular office with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Additionally, foreign nationals residing in the following countries and regions can apply for an eVisa through an authorized travel agency:
- Chinese nationals in China
- Vietnamese nationals in Vietnam (limited to participants in package tours organized by designated travel agencies)
- Foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (excluding those eligible for visa exemption)
Travelers whose eVisa has been approved must present the visa issuance confirmation screen on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet upon entry to Japan. If you cannot present this screen due to not carrying a mobile device or lack of internet access at the site, you will not be able to enter Japan with an eVisa.
Therefore, travelers who are not confident in using a mobile device safely should obtain a short-term stay visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate.